According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 13.5% of older adults suffer from major depression. If left untreated, depression not only diminishes enjoyment of life, it can lead to severe physical, emotional and cognitive suffering – and even death.

“Fortunately, friends and family members can help their aging loved ones by supporting psychosocial needs, watching for signs of depression and encouraging them to seek help,” said Dr. Martha Sutherland, a clinical psychologist who works with residents at the Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village.

Reducing risk by supporting needs

Regardless of age, people have several psychosocial needs that, if taken care of, reduce their risk for mental health concerns. Three of the most important are a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. “If an individual has any of those three needs not being supported, they’re more at risk,” said Dr. Sutherland.

However, the physical and circumstantial transitions associated with aging undermine these needs for many seniors.

Identity

A big part of many adults’ identities is the ability to meet life’s challenges, to have power over one’s circumstances and one’s own body. The declines of aging, however, cause many seniors to lose physical, social and financial independence. “Those are very difficult changes for seniors,” said Dr. Sutherland. “You can support it by giving them choices. For instance, if they need to go into a healthcare facility, if it’s possible, have them choose where they go, let them decide what their room looks like. Make choices in their daily life.”

Purpose

Throughout our lives, we derive a sense of purpose from various circumstances of our daily lives, such as school, work, or raising a family. However, Dr. Sutherland said, “As we get older, those roles are no longer with us, so finding that sense of purpose or contribution can be difficult. We need to feel like we’re giving back to the world.” She recommends helping loved ones maintain their sense of purpose by talking about their place in the family, encouraging them to participate in family activities and finding ways to help them give back to the community.

Belonging

Maintaining a connection to the community around us is an important and often essential human support system. As we get older, we lose loved ones and friends, and watch our social circles dwindle. To support existing relationships and facilitate forging new ones, Dr. Sutherland recommends reminiscing about an aging loved one’s life, and, through conversations, offering them a window into the family’s ongoing everyday happenings.

Five signs of depression

Unfortunately, even with the best support system, some individuals become depressed. “Sometimes, depression can be overlooked in seniors. We might say they have a reason to be down, or it’s part of aging. Or they might be isolated, so people don’t notice changes in their behavior,” said Dr. Sutherland. However, she recommends watching for several signs and symptoms that can indicate depression.

Negative ideation

Depressed individuals might express pessimism, a sense of hopelessness or helplessness and feelings of negative self-worth. They might tell loved ones they don’t want to be a burden, or express guilt over their growing dependence on others. At the extreme, these negative feelings can manifest as thoughts and talk about death or suicide. Dr. Sutherland urges families to consider an individual’s personality. “Look for a change in their usual pattern of thoughts about themselves and the world around them,” she said.

Changes in mood

In addition to the bleak worldview mentioned above, individuals suffering from depression might also display changes in their general mood. Watch for sadness, irritability, anxiety or flat affect.

Change in activity level

Individuals experiencing depressive disorders might have low energy levels. This can manifest as slow movement or speech, lack of motivation to initiate activity, reduced self-care, and substance use. “They might stop taking care of basic hygiene, might not be eating or taking their medications or taking care of their home. They could show a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed,” says Dr. Sutherland.

Change in socialization

Depression can lead many seniors to draw away from their usual social circles. Dr. Sutherland recommends loved ones watch for increased isolation or expressions of loneliness, and a resistance to engage with other people when in social situations. This could present as a change in the depth or frequency of conversations with friends, increased tendency to decline invitations to social events and activities or spending more time than usual home alone.

Physical and cognitive symptoms

Many additional signs and symptoms can also be the result of depression. For example, an individual suffering from unexplained or recurring aches and pains, changes in sleep patterns and changes in appetite could all be the result of depression. Cognitive changes that should raise a red flag are noticeably increased forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating.

If you have concerns about a loved one and think they may be suffering with depression, there are many resources in the local community that may be able to help. Contact Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village to speak with someone on behalf of yourself or someone you care about.

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